Panasonic Lumix S5 II Review
We've aggregated 24 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Panasonic Lumix S5 II
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II marks a turning point for the brand, introducing phase-detect autofocus to the Lumix line for the first time. Reviewers consistently celebrate this long-awaited upgrade, with many noting that the camera finally delivers video autofocus performance that matches or even exceeds competitors like Sony. The 24.2MP full-frame sensor produces excellent image quality for both stills and video, and the camera's hybrid design shines with unlimited 6K30p and 4K60p 10-bit recording, V-Log/V-Gamut support, and robust 6.5-stop IBIS. Across the board, reviewers praise the S5 II as an exceptional value at $2,000, delivering high-end video specs and solid photo performance without major compromises.
The consensus is clear: this is a beast of a camera for creators who need strong video capabilities alongside competent stills. Panasonic has addressed its biggest weakness while maintaining the features that made its cameras popular with video shooters, including weather sealing, dual card slots, and unlimited recording time. Reviewers consistently describe it as one of the best full-frame hybrid cameras you can buy at this price point, making it a standout option for vloggers, videographers, and hybrid shooters looking for serious capability without stretching their budget.
- Phase-detect autofocus finally delivers reliable video AF performance
- Unlimited 6K30p and 4K60p 10-bit recording with V-Log
- Excellent value at $2,000 for full-frame hybrid specs
- 6.5-stop IBIS with dual stabilization system
- Weather-sealed body with dual SD card slots
- 24.2MP resolution lower than some competitors
- L-mount lens ecosystem still smaller than Canon RF or Sony E
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II is the first Lumix camera with phase detect autofocus, and we were able to test it in Tokyo, Japan!
No Film School is a leading worldwide community of filmmakers, video producers, and independent creatives. It provides daily news, resources, and educational content, along with a forum for artists to share and improve their craft.
The S5 is notably smaller and lighter, though it comes with slightly less durability. Image quality is a near-perfect match between the S5 and S1 since they have the same 24MP full-frame sensor. With all things considered, the S5 is likely the best camera for most people.
Is the S9 a revolutionary camera design or just a different flavor of something we’ve seen before? The body is basically a scaled-up GM series camera — at least superficially — with a rather boxy design and flat grip.
Despite all those oddities, the S5II looks like an intriguing camera — especially that S5IIx because I’m a sucker for all things all-black.
Panasonic's S5 II is an awesome full-frame vlogging and video camera option, and its $2,000 is great value for video shooters.
At CES 2023, Panasonic announced a pair of new full-frame S Series cameras, the S5 Mark II and the S5 Mark IIX. Panasonic has designed the cameras to be true hybrid cameras, delivering high-end still photography and video performance without compromising in either regard.
This review covers the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5II, evaluating its performance and features.
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Specs
- Weather Sealing
- Yes
- Bit Depth
- 10-bit
- Log Profiles
- V-Log/V-Gamut
- Max Frame Rate 4k
- C4K/4K 60p
- Max Frame Rate Hd
- FHD 180p
- Max Recording Time
- Unlimited
- Max Video Resolution
- 6K (6000 x 3168)
- High Resolution Mode
- 96MP
- Sensor Size
- Full-Frame (35mm)
- Sensor Type
- CMOS Sensor
- Effective Megapixels
- 24.2 MP
- Launch Price Usd
- 1997.99
- Dual Native Iso
- Yes
- Viewfinder
- 3.68m-Dot 0.78x-Magnification OLED LVF
- Rear Screen
- 3" tilting touchscreen LCD
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi
- Card Slots
- Double SD Slot
- Ibis
- 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (6.5-stop shutter speed equivalent)
- Af Points
- 779 points
- Af System
- Phase Hybrid AF
- Subject Detection
- human, animal, cars, motorcycles
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- Adoramanew● In stockBest price$1,698Buy
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